Summer is the perfect time for small businesses to gain a competitive advantage. It’s like overtaking a runner in a race while they’re stopping for a water break; you have an opportunity to gain an edge while others are slowing down.
When the weather heats up, here are five ways you can get the edge on the competition:
This is the halfway point in the calendar year, so it’s the perfect time to take an accounting of where your business is compared to the goals you set at the start of the year. Then, you can adjust your plans for the second half of the year to meet or exceed those goals.
Take advantage of available ad inventory and mindshare. When competitors slow down their marketing and advertising efforts in the summer, you have the perfect chance to increase your brand awareness while also negotiating lower rates for available space. Less competition means more visibility for your business at a reduced price. It’s a win-win!
Leverage smaller audiences to get more face-time with event hosts and presenters. In addition to getting more hands-on attention for learning subject matter at hand, take the opportunity to network for business and referrals. Be sure to bring business cards to every class!
This is a great time to try out new offers and promotions, or to roll out a test of a new product or service. You’ll have time to put a few different versions out there. See what’s the best fit for your customers as well as your business; later in the year after the kinks have been worked out, you’ll be all set to do the full launch.
Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? Time off to relax and recharge will help you come up with better ideas, and will give you the energy and motivation to implement them. While the pressure is off a bit in the summer months, take a few hours to walk outside and recharge. Skip out for a long weekend at the beach, or opt for a “stay-cation” to get organized at home. You’ll come back refreshed, well-rested, and ready to take on the world!
Merrimack Valley Credit Union and Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, offer a range of financing options for small business owners looking to steady their cash flow or invest in a capital project. Learn more about our comprehensive business solutions!
Category: Business
In addition to the usual chaos of the holiday season, year-end can bring a lot of anxiety to small businesses. They come face-to-face with the ambitious goals they created in January, for better or for worse! Either way, now is the time to close out the year as strongly as possible and prepare for a successful New Year!
Summer is the perfect time for small businesses to gain a competitive advantage. It’s like overtaking a runner in a race while they’re stopping for a water break; you have an opportunity to gain an edge while others are slowing down. When the weather heats up, here are five ways you can get the edge on the competition:
There’s a common misconception that life insurance is only for those married with children.
Where to Focus in July to Ensure the Best December. The month of July signals the halfway mark on the calendar, and a time when things typically slow down for many small businesses. With customers and clients taking time off for vacation, it’s tempting to leave the office early to catch a game of golf or head to the beach for the weekend.
MVCU is proud to highlight the achievements of small business owners in our community. Meet Evelyn, owner of Hair’s Evelyn Salon in Waltham, MA.